Top Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving (and Why!)

Posted on: July 21, 2016By: Gee-Schussler Blogging Team

Don’t multitask while you’re driving!

While many know that distracted driving is pretty risky, people continue to allow distractions to alter their focus. In 2013 alone, 3,154 people were killed as a result of distracted driving, while an additional 424,000 were injured. Since the rise of technology being readily available for use, the death toll has continued to increase.

Whether you’re preparing your teen for their first car or simply looking to better your driving skills, here are the top tips to avoid distracted driving!

Turn off your phone– Whatever they texted you; it can wait. Put your phone out of reach and switch it off before you start your journey. Your phone will be out of sight and out of mind!

Organize your stuff and avoid multitasking – Know where your important stuff is before driving off. Set up your GPS before you turn on the car and keep your morning coffee in the cup holder where it belongs. The better organized you are beforehand, the less you’ll have to search around and take your eyes off the road!

Skip serious discussions – It’s easier said than done, but it’s important not to lose yourself in stressful thoughts or serious conversations while you’re on the road. Driving is the task at hand, you can talk about the meaning of life later.

Use voice commands and Bluetooth sparingly – They’re great technologies, but hands-free texting and talking are still pretty distracting. Your hands may be on the wheel, but it takes your mind and attention off the road. Only use these devices when you need to!

Make your drive time, quiet time – The morning traffic may not inspire Zen-like thoughts, but start to view your daily commute as time to collect your thoughts and focus on one thing. It makes it easier to concentrate on merging or finding that next exit when things are calm and quiet.

For tricks on how to better yourself as a driver, check out our spring driving tips! Get started on securing your auto insurance in Orland Park, Illinois by calling the insurance professionals at Gee Schussler Insurance Agency!